EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 33-90854, 333-36597, 333-63706, 333-90480, 333-135473, 333-151683 and 333-161515 on Form S-8 and Registration Statement Nos. 333-140333 and 333-164283 on Form S-3 of our reports dated March 15, 2011, relating to the consolidated financial statements of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the effectiveness of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2010.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

March 15, 2011